Move furniture out of the way so you have space to measure. For a few animals (such as the 59-foot giant squid), you will need extra space, so you may want to use a multi-purpose room, playground or hallway. When you read the book Actual Size by Steve Jenkins, you will undoubtedly hear comments from your students such as, “Cool,” “Gross” or “Awesome!” This cleverly illustrated book about some of the world’s largest and smallest animals includes the measurements and some basic information about select animals.Īfter reading, your students will visualize the sizes of these animals using the provided measuring tools. What is the difference in height between the African elephant and the gorilla? Introduction.What is the difference in length between the giant anteater and the saltwater crocodile?.How many inches are four Goliath tarantulas lying side by side? How many feet is that?.What is the difference in height between the Alaskan brown bear and the ostrich?.How many inches are three atlas moths lying side-by-side?.Tailor your tasks to fit the ability level of your students. Number the index cards and add one task to each card. Great white shark is 21 feet long and its teeth are 4 inches long.Goliath frog is 36 inches long with legs extended.Giant birdeater tarantula is 12 inches across.

Giant squid is 59 feet long and its eyes are 12 inches across.

Post this information for the students to see:

Twelve-inch rulers, yardsticks and one-inch cubes.

'A thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a must-have for any collection.Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit. An unusual, unusually effective tool for connecting children to nature's astonishing variety.' Booklist, ALA, Starred Review 'Jenkins' artwork is gorgeous (a gatefold of a frog in midleap is particularly memorable). The real triumph here, however, is the compositions.the book makes brilliantly creative use of its tight focus, resulting in startling closeups.' The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Starred 'Jenkins' imaginative paper collages work their usual magic in transcending their medium to capture the spirit and detail of their subjects.

Actual size jenkins